Meet My Heros of Stroke Week 2024.

Stroke Researchers – Clinicians – Stroke Survivors - An Amazing Trifecta

My objective of today’s epistle, which is dedicated to Stroke Week 2024 is twofold -

To reflect on and pay tribute to those skilled researchers and clinicians who are at the forefront of Stroke Rehabilitation and Research in this country.

To salute some whom I have met, collaborated with, and who have influenced my Post Stroke Days.

Hence my headline today which includes the term “Trifecta”, a very apt way of describing the relationship between researchers, clinicians, and stroke survivors.

Gang, allow me to expand on the relevance of these groups and their acclamation during Stroke Week 2024.

Since my involvement in the Stroke Industry, I have become aware of the tremendous amount of research that is currently being undertaken by various groups, universities, and individuals.

As a relative newcomer to this landscape, I found the sheer volume and commitment of these researchers breathtaking.

I would like to thank the following people who welcomed me as a Consumer into their various research projects. People like Professor Coralie English from Newcastle University, the leader of the I-REBOUND gang, which also included Karly Zacharia, Gillian Mason, Dr.Dawn Simpson, and Dina Pogrebnoy.

Other names that come to mind that I have collaborated with on diverse projects include Professor Catherine Said, Professor Marie Hackett, and Natali Fini.

It would be erroneous for me not to mention the Stroke collaborative StrokeEd, particularly Associate Professor Simone Dorsch whom I met whilst in Bankstown Hospital. She invited me to speak to her students at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney on my Stroke story -- My first public appearance as a Stroke Survivor.

This was my introduction to what has become an almost full-time activity.

Associate Professor Simone Dorsch, a noted Stroke Educator (Senior Lecturer, at Australian Catholic University) and a Director of StrokeEd, a Stroke Rehabilitation education collaborative. All members of the StrokeEd Collaboration are highly credentialled educators, researchers, and practicing clinicians who conduct evidence-based workshops; and lectures to improve the skills, knowledge, and practice of rehabilitation therapists, and influence the delivery of rehabilitation services to stroke survivors.

These activities reach far beyond Australia and this chart gives an overview

There are many other researchers and educators that I have met and worked with over the past eight years to whom I express my gratitude. I am very public in my respect and admiration for all the researchers and educators that I have been associated with.

Clinicians.

The second link in the Trifecta are the Clinicians the Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Speech Therapists who with their expertise and curative skills assist Stroke Survivors in hospital Rehab Gyms, outpatient departments, and private practice.

They are the people who can bring to life the latest research findings in the form of meaningful and relevant rehab strategies to aid Stroke Survivors in their recovery.

The ones that come to my mind who were involved with putting me back together again are names such as Laura King, Julie Nugent, Fin Lowe [in above pic on my right] all from Bankstown Hospital who were with me from the start of my rehab in April,2016.

Their names still cross my mind every day - eight years later.

The final link in the Trifecta chain is Stroke Survivors, people who have been beset by the ravages of Stroke but who have refused to accept the deficiencies of their stroke and through their grit, and inner courage overcame these challenges.

Each of them has displayed a level of courage and resilience that quite frankly astounds me, and I am proud to call them my friends.

Names that come to mind are Julie Davey, Ben Schelfhaut (AKA Belgian Benny) Rachel Peak, Kevin English, Meredith Burke - they are true heroes.

They are ardent practitioners of the concept of Giving Back- via their involvement in research projects, webinars, talks, and workshops they willingly share their insights and learnings with researchers, clinicians so the findings are real and borne out of Lived Experience.

As I said in a conversation with an academic from the University of East Anglia (UK)recently,

"Researchers can only SURMISE what a Stroke feels like. Stroke Survivors can CEMENT that supposition."

This is a lengthy epistle, but it had to be- The union of these three stakeholders is a demonstration of the intricate relationships that exist in the Stroke industry today.

Each group has a vital role in a stand-alone sense in fighting the scourge of Stroke in the 21st century. Century. But to be successful they must be linked to each other to achieve this end.

Gang I hope you understand my logic and reasoning and ask that you continue to maintain your efforts to fight Stroke.

I know I intend to.!!!

As I always say, there is music in our Soul. Take time to listen to your band, I do. Every Day.

My Key Messages.

Stroke Survivors - Spread the word about the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs of stroke so maybe one day someone can save a life in the event of a loved one experiencing a stroke.

It is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

Stroke Survivors, Clinicians – Promote Stroke Week 2024- Click on a wide range of Promotional material, produced by the Stroke Foundation which you can use

Brian A Beh, A Stroke Survivor